Wrongful Death 

Young, Autistic Man Living at Group Home Dies from Bowel Obstruction

Snow Law Firm Settlement: $387,500

Case Description 

A young, autistic man residing in a group home was rushed to the emergency room because he was suffering from a severe discoloration of his thighs and a body temperature of 92 degrees as a result of a bowel obstruction. The emergency room physician confirmed his condition had taken place over a long period of time, not a quick onset. The group home should have discovered this much sooner to avoid the deterioration of his condition, which ultimately led to his death..

Legal Issues

The limitations set forth in the Massachusetts wrongful death statute relating to “loss of reasonably expected net income” and a claim involving an individual who was unable to engage in gainful employment.

Outcome

Notwithstanding jury verdicts in comparable cases, this case settled for $1,000,000. A condition of the settlement required the group home to apologize to the parents of the child with development disabilities.